Moving Countdown: 2 Weeks Before

2 Weeks Before Move-Out Day: Make Final Packing Decisions

Only 2 weeks left. The final packing decisions need to be made.

1. Empty rooms for stacking boxes

If you’ve not yet designated a large room in which to stack boxes and the items you have ready to move, this is the time. An empty room might still contain large pieces of furniture, but have one completely empty room on each floor just for stacking packed boxes. This will lessen anxiety, helping you to feel not only organized, but also ready for the day of the actual move. It will help the movers to wheel out stacks quickly. And visually it’s very pleasing to see rows of “completions!”

2. Empty cabinets, cupboards, drawers and shelves

Having and seeing half of your cabinets empty in the kitchen will also help you to feel like you have been productive and don’t have as much to do on the actual day of the move. The process of cleaning out the cupboards and drawers, packing non-daily use items into well labeled boxes, transferring them into the large designated room, and consolidating what you have left into a few cupboards rather then having your items spread throughout the kitchen, will keep you organized for the day you need to pack the last minute items.

3. Don’t wait till the last minute

If the movers are doing it all you need to make sure that you’ve communicated with them clearly about everything. If you’re running out of boxes get more now. Don’t let anything wait until the last minute where stress and short-tempers put a damper on the joy of moving to a new home.

The following will help you organize what’s left and corral the necessary leftovers.

• Prepare and pack those items you don’t use often but may need. Even if you leave the box open in the bathroom by the sink or in your bedroom, keeping only what you need makes it easier to close the box, seal it and move it easily next week.
• Get out the cleaning supplies and clean and clear all areas you can get to, and that you’ve already packed out, including cupboards, drawers, closets, basements and attics.
• Dispose of flammables such as fireworks, cleaning fluids, matches, acids, chemistry sets, aerosol cans, paint, ammunition and poisons such as weed killer.
• Eat your food. I know people with 16 ft. freezers, this item would be a tough one? but most people have regular freezers, so plan meals that will use up the frozen food. It doesn’t hurt to use up canned and all other food as well so that you don’t have to pack it or throw away good food. If you don’t want to pack canned or boxed food think about giving it to a local charity or food bank.
• Have your automobile serviced if you’re traveling by car.
• Drain all the oil and gasoline from your lawn mower and power tools to ensure safe transportation. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions.

Do everything you can to plan ahead and act daily to complete tasks. Moving may not be the most fun you’ve ever had, but consistent daily organizing, planning ahead and packing will go a long way toward making the process bearable.

Kim Wolinski, also known as “Dr. DeClutter,” is a professional organizer, a keynote speaker, and has created organizing books, workbooks, and other tools, including her content-packed video: Burn Your House Down: And other organizing tips and tools from Dr. DeClutter.

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